This Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe will transform dinner for you. It’s one of the easiest and tastiest dinners you’ll make, and there’s minimal cleanup because it all comes together in the Instant Pot!
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
The texture of this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is almost like a Risotto, but it doesn’t require the tedious stirring for 30 minutes. The flavor is truly memorable, and yet this recipe calls for simple ingredients.
The secret to great Chicken and Rice in the Instant Pot is in infusing the rice with an entire head of garlic. I add the whole head while cooking, so then the garlic will melt in your mouth. (We used the same trick to make Instant Pot Beef and Rice (Plov).)
We love our Instant Pot because it produces the same great results in a fraction of the time, so you can enjoy dinner fast! Some of our favorites include Instant Pot White Chicken Chili, Bone Broth, Corn on the Cob, and Tender Ribs.
Best chicken and rice from instant pot in a serving bowl with tender chicken
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Simple ingredients really shine in this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe! Grab a pack of chicken and a few pantry staples.
Vegetables – onion, grated/julienned carrots, and parsley
Garlic – I use a whole head of garlic, halved lengthwise and leave this unpeeled.
Chicken – boneless breasts, thighs, or tenders cut into bite-sized pieces (1″). *We prefer chicken tenders because they require less prep and reheat well. They are also the most tender.
Chicken broth – use Homemade Chicken Stock or a low-sodium version from the grocery store
Jasmine rice – unrinsed. You could also use Basmati or Texmati without adjusting the cooking time. Brown rice would require a longer cooking time.
Parmesan cheese – Salty and nutty flavor that permeates the whole dish
Ingredients for easy 30-minute meal in the pressure cooker with meat, grain, broth, cheese, carrots, onion, garlic
How to Make Chicken and Rice in the Instant Pot
We used a 6 Quart Instant Pot to make chicken and rice. This recipe moves fast, so have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before you turn on your Instant Pot.
Set your Instant Pot to sautee on high heat, add oil, butter, onion, carrots, and 1 tsp salt, cooking for 5 minutes.
Add chicken and salt, and saute for another 5 min.
Add in broth and rice and stir. Place the halved garlic head cut-side-down on top. Cook for 10 minutes on manual high pressure, and then quick release.
Open the lid to add the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir and serve with more cheese to sprinkle over the top.
Cooked instant pot chicken and rice with mixing spoon
Tips for Using an Instant Pot to Make Chicken and Rice
Always read the user’s manual for your specific machine because it may operate differently.
Make sure the rim and rubber seal on your Instant Pot are clean for the seal to form properly.
Stir the rice together before turning on the heat to avoid the burn notice.
For safety, wear an oven mitt when manually releasing pressure, and keep your face away from the hot steam vent. Also, keep a paper towel ready to shield the vent while venting/releasing pressure.
Check the pressure indicator to ensure that the pressure has fully released prior to opening the lid.
Follow timing instructions precisely and set timers. With pressure cooking, it’s easy to overcook something if you forget about your pot.
Helpful Reader Review
“Delicious and so easy. I used long-grain white rice and added about a cup of frozen spinach. Came out like a risotto and everyone loved it!” – Snk ★★★★★
Casserole dinner in a white bowl with a fork and parsley to garnish
